It’s not just the pay gap. This disparity also holds working women back
It is a truth universally acknowledged: A woman with a family and a career is in want of more hours in the day. Despite this, conversations around gender inequity at work typically focus on a pay gap rather than the consequences of what happens when women don’t have as much time as their male counterparts. In a new study published in the International Journal of Management Reviews , researchers analyzed 88 studies on the interaction between “gender, time, and organizations” in Africa. The researchers wanted to spotlight African organizations to understand how caregiving and other cultural expectations play out at work. They found that the unpaid labor that women do at home creates a hidden time gap that limits their ability to get ahead at work—which in turn impacts training, networking, and taking on the projects that can lead to a promotion. While the analysis focuses on Africa, the researchers explained that similar patterns exist all over the world. Outside of work, women do more of the unpaid domestic work , and they are expected to contribute more to their social lives . “Women are not falling behind because they lack ambition or ability. They are falling behind because they are carrying a second shift that workplaces still largely ignore. If we want real inclusion, we have to stop designing jobs around the assumption that everyone has unlimited time,” said University of East London business professor Toyin Adisa, one of the study’s authors. Solving the time issue will take exactly
In discussions about gender inequality at work, the focus is often on the pay gap that women face compared to their male counterparts. However, a new study published in the International Journal of Management Reviews highlights a less discussed but equally significant disparity: the hidden time gap that hinders women's career advancement. Researchers analyzed 88 studies on the intersection of gender, time, and organizations in Africa, aiming to understand how caregiving responsibilities and cultural expectations impact women's roles in the workplace.
The study found that the unpaid labor women perform at home—such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare—creates a hidden time gap that limits their ability to progress in their careers. This disparity affects women's participation in training, networking, and taking on projects that could lead to promotions. While the analysis focused on African organizations, the researchers emphasized that similar patterns exist globally. Women are expected to shoulder more of the unpaid domestic work and contribute more to their social lives outside of work, which further exacerbates the time gap.
"Women are not falling behind because they lack ambition or ability," said Toyin Adisa, a University of East London business professor and one of the study's authors. "They are falling behind because they are carrying a second shift that workplaces still largely ignore. If we want real inclusion, we have to stop designing jobs around the assumption that everyone has unlimited time."
The study's findings suggest that addressing the time gap requires a fundamental rethinking of how work and care are organized in society. Toyin Adisa warned that relying on small policy tweaks will not be sufficient. "We have to rethink how work is organized and how care is valued across society," she said.
To even the playing field, the study proposed several solutions, with a particular emphasis on improving childcare support options. This need is not limited to Africa; it is also prevalent in the United States. A 2021 Care.com study revealed that American parents spend 20% or more of their yearly income on childcare expenses.
The hidden time gap underscores the need for systemic changes in both workplaces and society at large. By acknowledging and addressing this disparity, organizations can create more inclusive environments where women can thrive professionally. Ultimately, solving the time issue will require significant time, effort, and a collective commitment to reimagining how work and care are balanced in our society.
